What You'll Find at Back River Pier

Back River Pier is a public fishing pier on the western side of Tybee Island, facing the marshlands and tidal creeks that separate the island from the mainland. It's a short, accessible structure—roughly 500 feet—that extends into shallow water where the river meets the marsh. The pier works best during incoming and high tides, when fish move into the shallows to feed.

The species here are typical of Georgia's coastal marsh system: spotted seatrout, red drum, flounder, and black drum in cooler months; Spanish mackerel and ladyfish in summer. Mullet and catfish are year-round residents. The pier is free to fish and open to the public during daylight hours, making it one of the most accessible spots on Tybee if you don't have a boat.

Key Takeaways

  • Back River Pier is a short public pier on Tybee's west side that fishes best during incoming and high tides when water covers the marsh flats.
  • Spotted seatrout and red drum are the most reliable catches, with flounder and black drum showing up in fall and winter.
  • The pier has no amenities—no bait shop, no shade, no restrooms—so bring everything you need before you arrive.
  • Parking is limited and street-only; arrive early on weekends or plan for a short walk from nearby lots.
  • Summer afternoons draw crowds and heat; early morning or fall through spring offers better fishing and fewer people.

Tides and Timing for Back River

The pier's effectiveness hinges entirely on tide stage. During low tide, the water drops so far that the pier sits above bare mud and shallow pools—fish move out to deeper channels and the pier becomes nearly unfishable. Plan your trip around incoming or high tide, when water depth reaches 4 to 8 feet under the pier and fish move in to hunt.

Check the tide tables for Tybee Island before you go. The two-hour window around high slack tide is usually most productive. Early morning high tides in spring and fall often coincide with the calmest conditions and the fewest people. Summer tides are predictable but the afternoon heat and afternoon crowds make dawn or dusk a better choice.

What Tackle and Bait Work Here

Spotted seatrout respond to live shrimp under a popping cork, or to small soft plastics in white, chartreuse, or natural colors. Red drum will take the same offerings but also hit cut mullet and live finger mullet. Flounder prefer live baitfish—mullet or menhaden—fished on the bottom with a simple slip sinker rig. Black drum, which show up in fall, need harder baits: fiddler crabs, blue crabs, or cut shrimp.

Bring a medium-light spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) spooled with 10- to 15-pound braid or monofilament. A small tackle box with hooks (1/0 to 3/0), split shot, popping corks, and a few soft plastics covers most situations. You'll need a net if you plan to keep fish—the pier has no landing net. Bring your own bait or plan to fish artificials, because there is no bait shop at the pier.

Getting There and Parking

Back River Pier is located at the end of Venetian Drive on the west side of Tybee Island. From the main commercial area near the lighthouse, head west on Butler Avenue, then turn north on Venetian Drive. The pier is at the road's end, roughly 2 miles from the main beach.

Parking is street-only and limited to a handful of spaces near the pier entrance. On weekends and during summer, spaces fill quickly. If the immediate lot is full, park on nearby residential streets and walk—it's usually less than a quarter-mile. There are no facilities at the pier: no restrooms, no water, no shade structures. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.

Best Seasons and What to Expect

Fall (September through November) is the most consistent season. Water temperatures drop, baitfish concentrate in the shallows, and both seatrout and red drum feed aggressively. Flounder move in during October and November as they migrate to deeper winter grounds. The weather is mild and the pier is less crowded than summer.

Spring (March through May) brings warming water and returning seatrout. Mullet runs occur in late spring, which attracts larger predators. Summer is hot and crowded, but Spanish mackerel and ladyfish provide fast action if you can tolerate the heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter fishing is slow but possible; black drum and large flounder are the main targets, and the pier is nearly empty.

Pier Etiquette and Rules

Back River Pier is public water, but it's a working fishing pier in a residential area. Keep noise down, especially early and late in the day. Don't leave trash—there are no bins, so pack out everything you bring in. If you're keeping fish, know Georgia's size and bag limits before you go: seatrout must be 12 inches, red drum 18 inches (one fish per day), and flounder 12 inches.

The pier can get crowded on calm weekends, particularly in summer. If you hook a large fish, be aware of other anglers nearby and reel carefully to avoid tangling lines. Crabbing is also popular here, so you may share space with crab trap lines—watch for them when casting.

When Back River Isn't Fishing Well

Low tide makes the pier nearly useless. If you arrive at low slack tide, you have two choices: fish the deeper channels visible from the pier using heavier tackle and longer casts, or come back when the tide turns. Strong outgoing tides can also be slow because fish move with the water toward deeper channels.

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and can arrive suddenly. The pier offers no shelter, so watch the sky and be ready to leave. Winter cold fronts can shut down fishing for a few days as water temperatures drop and fish become lethargic. If you're visiting Tybee and the pier isn't producing, the nearby Lazaretto Creek and marsh systems offer alternative options—ask locally about access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Back River Pier?

Yes. Georgia requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a three-day license, annual license, or short-term options through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website or at local tackle shops on Tybee Island.

Can I keep fish I catch at the pier?

Yes, as long as they meet Georgia's size limits and you stay within bag limits. Seatrout must be 12 inches, red drum 18 inches (one per day), and flounder 12 inches. Check current regulations before you go, as they can change. You'll need a cooler and ice to keep fish fresh.

Is there anywhere to buy bait near the pier?

No bait shop is at the pier itself. The nearest shops are on the main part of Tybee Island, a couple of miles away. Bring your own bait or plan to fish with soft plastics and artificials. If you forget, you'll need to drive back to town.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning is usually best—cooler, calmer, and fewer people. The two-hour window around high tide is most productive regardless of time of day. Avoid afternoon summer heat and thunderstorms. Fall and spring mornings are ideal.

Can I fish at night?

The pier is open during daylight hours only. Night fishing is not permitted. Plan your trips for dawn through dusk.